Carnation plant called &#39;cfpc tess&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of carnation plant characterized by large, full-size spray type flowers, which open fully without bursting the calyx and causing splits.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of hybridDianthus caryophyllus. The varietal denominator of the new variety is‘CFPC Tess’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant, named ‘CFPC Tess’, which was originated by me from a cross madein a controlled breeding program. The female, or seed, parent isunpatented and identified as 990366; the male, or pollen, parent is anunknown seedling. The primary objective of the controlled breedingprogram was to produce a new purple-flowered cultivar for the ‘Adorable’series of pot carnations. The closest commercial cultivar in color tothe new cultivar of which I am aware is the carnation ‘CFPC Passion’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. PP10,416).

‘CFPC Tess’ differs from its female parent 990366, in having a purpleflower color, while 990366 has a white flower color with markings. Nocomparison with male parent is possible, as the male parent is unknown.‘CFPC Tess’ differs from its closest known commercial cultivar, ‘CFPCPassion’, in that ‘CFPC Tess’ is an ‘Adorable’ type carnation having ashorter stature, as well as a larger, fuller, more double flower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the novel characteristics possessed by the new variety whichdistinguishes it is a large, full-spray type flower, which opens fullywithout bursting the calyx and causing splits. When grown in 4½ inchplastic pots in Salinas, Calif., plant diameter averages about 7 inches.Pinched plants are about 6½ inches tall and flowers are about 2 inchesaverage diameter with a crown higher than about ⅞ inches. Foliage isabout 3¼ inches long and about 5/16 inches wide.

Asexual reproduction and flowering of this new cultivar by side shootcuttings as performed in Salinas, Calif., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The accompanying photographic illustration shows a typical specimen ofthe new variety in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake in a color illustration of this character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

Referring now specifically to the new and distinct variety of carnationplant the following is a detailed description of ‘CFPC Tess’ with colordescription where indicated by reference to The Royal HorticulturalSociety Colour Chart, except where common terms of color definition areemployed.

The new variety of carnation plant as herein described may vary inslight detail due to climatic, soil and cultural conditions under whichthe variety may be grown, the present description being of the varietyas grown at Salinas, Calif.

-   Plant:    -   -   Height.—About 6½ inches tall.        -   Form.—Herbaceous.        -   Growing habit.—Semi-upright.        -   Blooming habit.—As a spray, pot variety.        -   Blooming season.—Year round.        -   Rooting time.—About 18 days.        -   Number of new flower-bearing shoots per cuffing.—About 4 to            6 shoots per cutting.        -   Mutation prone.—No.        -   Disease resistance.—Superior to Fusarium oxysporum, F.            graminearum and root-rots such as damping off, water molds            and the like.        -   Temperature tolerance.—At least 60° F. to 90° F.-   Foliage:    -   -   Color.—Upper side: near 136A; lower side: near 137B.        -   Size.—Length: about 3¼ inches; width: about 5/16 inches.        -   Quantity.—Numerous.        -   Shape.—Lanceloate.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Ribs.—Central keel.        -   Stem color.—Near 138C.-   Bud:    -   -   Shape.—Ovoid.        -   Color.—Near 138B.        -   Size.—length: about 15/16 inches; diameter: about 7/16            inches.-   Calyx:    -   -   No. of lobes (sepals).—Five.        -   Size.—Length: about 5/16 inches; width: about ¼ inches.        -   Color.—Outside: near 138B; inside: near 138C.-   Bloom:    -   -   Shape.—Rounded.        -   Size.—Diameter (average): about 2 inches; depth (average):            about ⅞ inches.        -   Bome.—As a spray.        -   Color.—General tonality: purple; Upper side: near 74A; Lower            side: near 74B: Center: near 74A; Outer petals: near 74A.        -   Pennanence.—Dry up on receptacle.        -   Keeping quality.—Very good, over three weeks.        -   Fragrance.—Slight.-   Petalage:    -   -   Number.—Approximately Forty two.        -   Outer petals.—Length: about 1¾ inches; Width: about 1⅜            inches.        -   Central petals.—Length: about 1½ inches; Width: about ¾            inches.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Appearance.—Shiny.        -   Form.—Fan-shaped.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamen.—None (male sterile).        -   Anthers.—None.        -   Filaments.—None.        -   Pistil.—Number one Color: White (whiter than 155D).

Stigma.—Number: 3 (trilobed);

Color: White (whiter than 155D) with tips of near 74B.

-   -   -   Fertility.—Male: sterile; Female: Not observed.        -   Ovary.—Shape: conical; Color: base near 138D, body near            138A, apex near 138A.

1. A new and distinct variety of carnation plant identified as ‘CFPCTess’, substartially as shown and described.